Metro Friendly

Walking through the cobble-stoned streets of New York, it is apparent that spring has arrived as nearly every woman is wearing a light and airy monochromatic dress flush with embellishments.  Mainly bold with color in addition to fluid ornaments placed elaborately on the neckline, these dresses are elevated to a level of stylish reform.  From a ruffled collar on coral blue silk to a belted navy blue cotton dress with a drop necklace of round silk buds, embellishments create lines and change the mood of these one-toned dresses. With the hemlines cut above the knees, these summery dresses are perfect around this time of year.

-Janice M. Chow

The Spring 2009 catwalks were covered with floral prints, which couldn’t be more fitting for the season.  The femininity and flirtiness of floral dresses were blooming in the collections of Oscar de la Renta and Tracy Reese, so it’s no wonder that this trend would translate off the runways.

Floral dresses have a slight countryside reference, but place them in the middle of Milan and they couldn’t be any trendier.  These flowy dresses are wind-sweeping and flattering.  Do not be afraid to be daring with the colors because now is the time to stand out amongst the whites and neutral tone colors with electric blues, yellows, and purples.

-  Monica Papagna

Wearing a belt around the waist is one of the oldest slimming tricks in fashion.  It’s a simple solution that requires no thought and the results speak for themselves.  However, the women of Milan are not quite wearing them at the natural waistline, but slightly higher and just beneath the bust, which works just as well.  This easily assessable accessory adds that touch of classiness to a plain blouse or a color-blocked dress that can turn any day look into one fit for the evenings.  Just take some hints from the runways of Chloe, Louis Vuitton, and Marni for this belted effect.

- Monica Papagna

Alexander Wang started the trend of neo-grunge with his denim shorts, which has added to the casual chicness of New York City street style.  Dressing casually never looked so good, especially when edginess is part of the appeal.  Take Kate Moss and Erin Wasson, for example, who are the coolest models notorious for pairing an awesome rocker t-shirt with frayed shorts as they step out of their apartments and out to almost every summer festival.  Denim shorts elude confidence, while high-waist shorts show off a truly sexy figure.  Girls in New York are pairing them with a deep v-neck tee or a cotton tank and t-strap flat sandals for a look that so easily incorporates comfortable fashion staples readily available in every closet.

- Janice M. Chow

A casual printed shirt can really go the distance if worn properly. This reliable staple is a wardrobe must-have regardless of style and trend. Whether watching a live band or taking a casual stroll at the promenade, a printed shirt is just right and fitting for the hip and trendy. One can never go wrong with pairing this oh-so-reliable piece with the power-hungry boyfriend blazer or the super chic high-waisted and thick-belted skirt. Of course this wardrobe essential can also look great with the right textured leggings or a pair of fabulous heels. So for those thinking of tossing these good old shirts out in to the oblivion, you might just want to reconsider since a good printed shirt equals a vintage treasure.

- Celine Bayla
photos: Naoko Iwata

The trend of pairing black opaque tights with denim bottoms came from the street, rather than the industry. It’s a simple concept that celebrities and civilians have embraced. It’s been seen in London as far back as January and is still a lingering trend, and for good reason. Such a combination makes the legs look slender while staying stylish and warm. The look ranges from casual to slightly more sophisticated as these women wear denim and tights while meeting a friend for macaroons or walking across the park. As the London Times said recently, “Luckily for us, black opaques and shorts—particularly denim—go together like [rockers] and Kate Moss.”

-Jill Carin Adams of streetstylelondon.blogspot.com

Don’t be deceived by the casual, sporty nature of sneakers. The women of Milan, without a doubt, know how to take such an athletic style of footwear and incorporate it into the most effortlessly chic ensembles that we all strive to emulate.

Whether cotton, suede or canvas, the only rule to follow is that the sneakers should be colored to match the spring season. Turquoise, lavender purple, or even metallic silver bring the contrast to darker coats and denim when paired together.

Best of all, sneakers are beyond comfortable and are ideal for all moments of the day. Perhaps not in the office, but that doesn’t stop anyone from walking the streets in sneakers for all the leisurely strolls.

-Catherine Yan

Plenty of flirty, flowery frocks, dressed down with opaque tights are seen all over the streets of London. A popular choice is also to pair these ensembles with a black cardigan for a stylish addition. Designers like Chloe, Zac Posen, and Oscar de la Renta are showing the floral dresses in their collections, while high street versions are flying off the shelves. Matthew Williamson is also doing florals in much bolder patterns, which are available to the masses in his exclusive line for H&M. The layering of dresses and skirts with opaque tights, however, seems uniquely a part of street fashion. As the weather continues to warm up, it is expected that bolder flower patterns will be cropping up soon.

- Jill Carin Adams